Vaccination drive begins today

Anti-polio campaign targets 45 million children nationwide

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI:

The government is set to kick off a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Monday (today), aiming to protect over 45 million children across the country.

The Pakistan Polio Programme's vaccination drive aims to curb the resurgence of wild poliovirus and safeguard millions of children from the debilitating effects of polio.

Running from October 28 to November 3, the campaign will target children under five, providing polio vaccines along with Vitamin A supplements to enhance immunity.

Health officials have called upon parents and caregivers nationwide to actively participate to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine.

This marks Pakistan's third nationwide campaign this year, launched in response to the alarming increase in polio cases, with 41 cases reported so far in 2024 and across 71 districts.

Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment, saying, "Under the prime minister's guidance, we are re-energized in our efforts to combat polio".

"Starting October 28, our polio workers will reach every corner of Pakistan, delivering the vaccine and securing a healthier future for our children." Encouraging parents to prioritise vaccinations, she said, "With the virus now present in 71 districts, the risk to every child is real. The Government of Pakistan is bringing this vaccine directly to your doorsteps."

She said, "Please welcome and support our dedicated health workers by ensuring your children are vaccinated."

In a message, Muhammad Anwarul Haq, coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, urged parents to fully cooperate with polio workers.

He stated, "Polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination."

Throughout the campaign, the Sehat Tahafuz Helpline 1166 and the 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546 will be available to assist parents with information and to report any children missed during the vaccination drive.

Meanwhile, in Sindh, the programme will immunise 10.6 million children in 30 districts of the province.

According to the EOC Sindh, the week-long campaign will also provide Vitamin A capsules to 9.5 million children between the ages of six months and five years. The EOC Sindh reported that the campaign began three days earlier in Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar.

A total of 81,000 polio workers have been mobilized to go door-to-door to administer polio drops, with 19,000 security personnel deployed for their safety.

The EOC Sindh coordinator urged parents to cooperate with polio workers to protect their children from lifelong disability.

So far this year, 12 polio cases have been reported in Sindh, including four in Karachi. Hyderabad, Kemari, and Jacobabad each reported two cases, while Shikarpur, Sujawal, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Karachi East, and Malir each reported one case.